I know a lot of you are struggling with the personal statement right now. It is one of the most important parts of your app, so I understand the pressure, but most students approach it the wrong way (hence the struggle).
So here are some tips: what actually makes an essay stand out?
✅ What admissions officers are really looking for:
- A real story — something personal, specific, and meaningful. Not a flex list.
- Honest reflection — What did the experience teach you? How did it shape you?
- Your voice — No need for perfect grammar or fancy language. Just sound like you.
- A clear takeaway — What should we know about you by the end? What direction are you headed?
🚫 Common mistakes that kill a good essay:
- Turning it into a resume recap
- Faking drama — you don’t need trauma to be interesting
- Being super vague — “I learned a lot” doesn’t cut it
- Trying to sound impressive instead of authentic
💭 Test your essay: If someone else could write your essay, it’s not personal enough.
What’s been the hardest part for you when trying to write yours? Let me know—I’ll reply to help out 🤍